MAKING THE GRADE- First Methodist Church of Menard welcomed more than 70 families to their back-to-school event on Monday. Brand new kids' shoes were available for $5/pair. Frontera Healthcare offered free vision screenings and the church provided free school supplies, snacks, and haircuts. Nora Davis, photo.

LEFT: ELEMENTARY NEW HIRESNew to the elementary/junior high campus this year is Jalyn Montes (para-professional), Anna Stidham (Kindergarten) and Kathryn Ramon (First Grade). Courtesy photo.

THIS ICON IS GETTING A MAKEOVER- The city's water tower is seen draped in heavy tarps while crews deal with removing lead paint in the process of refurbishing the structure. The project is part of a multi-million dollar partially grant funded upgrade to the City's public water system. TMN photo.